ESPN PREMIERES DOCUMENTARY: THE LAST DANCE

By Robert Rios​El Rodeo Staff Writer

ESPN aired the first two episodes of the ten-part documentary called “The Last Dance” Sunday night. The documentary follows the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, during the 1997-98 season which culminated in the Bulls' second three-peat and end of their dynasty.The first episode begins with a summary of what led up to the 1997-98 season in which the Bulls won five NBA championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997. The documentary then goes on to focus on the iconic Michael Jordan as they tell his story from his days at the University of North Carolina, to his 63 point game in the playoffs against the Celtics and continues to tell the story of his legendary career leading up to the 1997-98 season.Soon after the Bulls won their fifth title, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf felt that it was a good opportunity to leave the team and start to rebuild because he felt that every player, besides Jordan, was at the end of their careers.In a press conference after game six of the 1997 finals, Jordan disagreed with the notion that it was time for a rebuild. Jordan said, “ I think this team is entitled to an opportunity to continue to be successful… we are entitled to defend what we have until we lose it .”The documentary highlights then Bulls GM Jerry Krause who most feel was the most responsible for bringing an end to the Bulls dynasty because of his decision making. A move of his that was scrutinized was the handling of head coach Phil Jackson.Krause signed Jackson to a one-year extension for the 1997-98 season and made it clear to Jackson that it was going to be his final year coaching the team no matter how good the Bulls performed. This also would bring uncertainty about Jordan's future with the Bulls as he said in a press conference that he would not play for any other coach but Phil Jackson. Jordan said, “ sadly as it maybe I have choices, I will not choose to play for another coach, I chose to play for Phil Jackson and to finish Scottie Pippin's contract.” The second episode starts with telling Scottie Pippens story from his time at the University of Central Arkansas, to the hall of fame career he had played alongside Jordan in which is arguably the greatest duo of all time. Jordan talked highly of his hall of fame teammate saying, “whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen.” In the documentary, Jordan also refers to Pippen as his “best teammate of all time.”In the 1997-98 season, Pippen began to grow unhappy with the Bulls organization as he felt he wasn’t being appreciated for what he had done for the franchise. The main issue has to do with a contract extension that was for seven years and a total of $18 million. Going into the season Pippen was dealing with an injury and decided to get surgery that would cause him to miss the start of the season. Pippens growing frustration with Bulls' management eventually led him to let out his anger against General Manager Jerry Krause and eventually demand to be traded to another team. Episodes three and four will air Sunday night and will focus on the hall of fame player, Dennis Rodman, the rivalry between the Bulls and the Detroit Pistons led by Isiah Thomas.